Friday, November 6, 2009

I went to cover the Butler-Independence game tonight at Independence -- here's my column about it -- and it was definitely one of the sports highlights of my year so far. Butler's 31-24 win wasn't decided until Independence fumbled the ball away inside the Butler 20 with about two minutes to go.

The game was chockful of big plays -- 3 touchdown passes of 65 yards or longer, a key turnover about every 5 minutes, one or the other team close to scoring on just about every play.

For the 4,250 fans lucky enough to get a $6 ticket to a game where no tickets were sold at the door, this one was worth a lot more than that. In fact, I saw Bruce Springsteen perform earlier this week in Charlotte and I'd even say that this game was...

But for high school football, it was just about as good as it gets. Butler was stronger, more balanced on offense and more disciplined. Independence was down 24-7 and 31-10, but Independence QB Anthony Carrothers had a wonderful second half after throwing four interceptions in the first and nearly got the Patriots all the way back.

Indy coach Tom Knotts told me after the game: “I hope we play them once more in the playoffs. Because they won’t beat us again. I’m sure of that.”

I'm not sure of that at all -- Butler head coach Mike Newsome and his staff had a team with more discipline and more overall talent Friday. But I'm with Knotts on part of that statement: I sure hope the two of them play again -- and at a much bigger venue next time. Because that was something.

22 comments:

Anonymous
said...

Knotts has such a big mouth..."Indy coach Tom Knotts told me after the game: “I hope we play them once more in the playoffs. Because they won’t beat us again. I’m sure of that.”...sure Tommy...how did you like getting your cocky butts kicked on your own turf by the Butler Puppies/Bullies? Put an asterisk on this game too! Go Dawgs!!

Independence will beat Butler by 2 scores next time. They had 6 turnovers and still only lost by 1 score. Butler is no where near as good as advertised by Mr. Wertz. It was a great contest, and I can't wait for playoffs.

Independence beat themselves last night with turnovers alone. Congratulations to the Butler Bulldogs, but I agree they are not the powerhouse that they have been portrayed to be by the media. I do not think that Knotts has a big mouth either, I just think he is confident and speaks what is on his mind. Call it cocky if you want, but with a record like his, he has earned the right to be confident in himself and his team.

I am not so sure that Knott's is not right. I did not see a Butler team that I would bet would beat Indy again if they were to meet again this year. Not taking anything away from Butler's win last night....they came, played and won, but I would not count Indy out if they were to meet again.

Congratulations to both teams on an impressive season. Both teams are fortunate and have talent and good coaches. Now that the regular season is over, let the playoffs begin!!!! Hopefully these teams will meet again and I agree that you may not want to count Tom Knott's and his team out!

Wow...Indy fans are not too biased...6 TO's...all unforced I suppose Butler has beaten RC Sr. and Indy on THEIR turf this year and in the process went unbeaten...Give them some credit - and this is coming from someone in the East...good luck to both teams...you're going to need it just to get out of the West

Gotta love Indy fans...everything is an excuse...in the past it was Tommy was not on the sidelines...now it is 6 TOs...I could give a flying rip if we only won by 1 pt...a win is a win and if we only win again by 1 pt, what are ya gonna say then?...you've only beaten us twice by 8 pts?

I think it is hilarious how myopic fans can be. You know if Butler had lost by 7 points and committed 6 turnovers, all of their fans would be saying how they would definitely win next time (were there to be a next time). I mean how can you claim to be this glorious powerhouse when you cannot put a team away that gives you the ball 6 times?

Honestly, you cannot be all that happy with the result given the way the game played out. Just think how you would feel if it were the other way around....

Work on finding a much larger venue if they meet again in the playoffs. Did you read this Carolina Panthers ownership? But,there are always alternatives. There was a great game as well in Rock Hill. Rock Hill 34 South Pointe 29. Let the playoffs begin.

Butler was suppose to blow them away based on the Butler players comments. If they play again, even at Butler, Indy will kick their butts. This has happened before and Independence won when it mattered. How soon Butler wants to forget. You will be in the dog house the next time!!!!!!

butler can win next timethe only reason there wasnt a "powerhouse" last night was because the bulldogs played to get into the playoffs on top, not specifically to beat indy. when we meet next time, butler will play harder and stronger, because THAT game is the one that matters.

soo all you indy fans think yall beat yourselves well trying to throw hail mary passes all game dont work on a team like butler maybe we give a little credit to the defense for forcing those turnovers. If they play agian maybe the bulldogs wont allow indy to make a run in the 4th quarter like that and secure the lead. Wish Tom Knotts had some class but hey he's always been like that.

Good Grief, Anonymous Butler Fans, Sideline Observationists,or whatever... you guys did play an ok game...just like Indy did it was...just...OK! Stop acting like you beat Indy by 20 or 30 points... you won by (1)...and I did say ONE TOUCHDOWN. The Media made Butler out to be this power force that was going to come in like the wind. Providence, put up a better game. Yeah... Indy lost the battle but the WAR..NEVER!

How are indy fans talking junk after taking an L. What is wrong with y'all. Chill out and wait till next time because there will be a next time. Butler fans shouldnt be that excited though because the game could easily have gone the other way except Kris Frost stripped a ball. Congratulations to Butler players, but don't let it go to your heads Indy will be back and they will be coming to play.

It amazes me that people can not give credit where credit is due....both teams have a decent team, didn't see a powerhouse on Friday night!!!! Either Independence or Butler was all that impressive, but like Knotts or not....no doubt about it, he excels at his job!!! So give the Bulldogs credit....they won the game. Give Indy credit....they have an undeniable accomplished coach!!!!

Eveyone knows that if Butler could have ran the score up on Independence, they would have....just to make a point!!!! So I do not buy the "I could give a flying rip if we only won by 1 pt...a win is a win"!!!!!

The way things look for 2010 the new Mint Hill high school will get all the good players from Butler and Indy. If BHS ever plans on winning it all it may be wise to start praying 24/7 for divine intervention the next 5 weeks.

2010 should be a mighty interesting year for high school football....East Meck, Indy, and Butler's programs will be restructured!!! Looks like the new "Mint Hill" high school will be comparable to the Mallard Creek program!!!!

All you Indy Players need to stop whinning about Butler's win! you have a tough road ahead to even think about getting to the Ship. Remember, you only beat Mallard Creek by 1 pt (LoL, and you call yourself a powerhouse), you only beat Providence by 4pts, and not to mention you got your butts kicked by Richmond. Get over yourselves, A win is a win is a win! Congratulations to the BullDogs!! You will go all the way.....